Printer

In most cases, keeping your computer's printer operating smoothly is a fairly easy job. No matter how user-friendly and intuitive printers are becoming, you still need to make sure to properly maintain your printer as well. This is especially true if you print frequently. Proper maintenance of your printer cartridge can decrease printer downtime, as well as possibly save you the costs and hassle of printer repairs.

Keep it Clean

When maintaining your printer, it's important to keep the print cartridge clean. The average print cartridge will feature a print head on the bottom of the cartridge; avoid disturbing this area. The print head should never be touched or adjusted in any way. The print head is the point where ink is dispensed from the cartridge, and even seemingly inconsequential things, like some oil on your fingers, can do serious damage to the print head.

If you're having printer problems and it looks like the print head might be at fault, there is still a way to remedy the situation without touching the print head. Simply remove the cartridge from the printer and place it, print head down, onto a damp paper towel. Apply light pressure on the cartridge until you can detect ink flowing onto the paper towel. If you still can't detect any ink, repeat this process until ink is visible. Afterwards, make sure to let your print cartridge dry before you put it back in the printer.

Dealing with Dried-up Cartridges

If you find that your print cartridge isn't working due to the fact that it appears severely dried up, you might be able to remedy the situation using the "soaking method." To do this, you will have to fill a small bowl with enough warm water to cover the bottom of the print cartridge. Next, place the print cartridge in the bowl of water and allow it to soak for several minutes. Again, be sure to let the cartridge dry fully before reinstalling it.
Because this approach might not work with all kinds of print cartridges, you might want to print a test page to confirm that things are back on track.

Print Cartridge Carriage Assembly

Print cartridges zip around the inside of your printer atop a rail known as the carriage assembly. The assembly can pick up dust and grime over time which could easily get into the cartridge. In order to clean the carriage assembly, pull the print cartridges off the assembly and use a can of compressed air to clear out any debris. You can also take this time shake the printer gently to clear any other debris, such as scraps of paper.

Automatic Cleaning

Many printers come equipped with an automatic cleaning feature to help you more effectively maintain the equipment. The manual for your specific printer will let you know if this feature is available, as well as what steps you must take to initiate a test. Once you've engaged a printer's automatic cleaning feature, you will hear a bit of noise while the print cartridges clear themselves. This might also be a good time to run a test page in order to confirm the automated cleaning was successful.

Know When It's Time to Replace a Print Cartridge

If you've tried all of the above actions and your cartridge still won't print, you're most likely in need of a new cartridge. If an automated cleaning, damp paper towel, or the soaking method can't bring your print cartridge back to life, you'll have little choice but to replace the cartridge. Before you install a new cartridge be sure to use a can of compressed air to clear out any dust inside the printer.

Other Printer Maintenance

Apart from print cartridge issues, there are a few other areas of printer maintenance that can help you keep your printer in optimal shape. If your printer has a paper jam, you should take care to clear it correctly, as it is very easy to do significant damage to the printer at this stage. Never simply yank the jammed paper from the printer. Instead, consult your manual and you will likely notice a way to open the top of the printer which will allow you to access and remove a paper jam without applying any stress on the printer.

Power Down

Finally, it's important to turn your printer off when it's not in use. If you leave your printer on while it's not in use, you run the risk of drying out the ink. You can also help your printer continue to function at high levels by making sure it is always powered down when not being used.

Following these basic maintenance guidelines is an easy way to get the most out of your printer.

John Pickering is the owner of EezyTrade.co.uk, an online retailer of new and refilled printer ink cartridges for Brother, HP, Canon, Epson, Lexmark and Xerox printers. Visit online today and begin saving.

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